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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: Saltshaker on April 05, 2019, 01:59:45 PM

Title: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: Saltshaker on April 05, 2019, 01:59:45 PM

Factory distributor with a pretronix and new cap and wires. Getting a shock when I touch the cap while adjusting the timing??
Jon

Title: Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: DubyaTF on April 05, 2019, 02:53:36 PM

   How good is your engine ground to the body and frame? Maybe one of the plug wires is jumping spark through the boot at the cap?

Title: Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: urchinhead on April 06, 2019, 10:19:04 AM

I would use a continuity tester to check that everything is actually grounded, and replace ground  wiring, scrape paint, etc. first, as you are the ground when getting shocked.

If that does not solve the problem, check the coil and all spark plug wires to make sure they are installed properly and not damaged.

Title: Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: FB on April 07, 2019, 09:21:51 PM

this is just shocking...... :o


just couldn't resist

Title: Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: Nightmist66 on April 08, 2019, 12:52:47 AM

Quote from: FB on April 07, 2019, 09:21:51 PM

this is just shocking...... :o


just couldn't resist

Prolly what originally sparked the OP's interest.....

Title: Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
Post by: Falcon67 on April 09, 2019, 09:30:25 AM

Maybe carbon tracking in the cap or you have some leakage through the cap/wires/etc on the cap.  Ground doesn't matter, you'll be an alternate path anyway even if the engine is grounded well to the frame.  Start it up at night in a good dark spot and look for corona discharges around the cap and/or wires.

To use a "medical" analogy - my prescription would be "Then. don't touch that.  That'll be $50, pay the receptionist."